If you are in the market for a new Volkswagen, prepare for a bigger price tag. New taxes on imports from Europe mean most customers buying a 2026 Volkswagen will be facing higher prices. This applies to not only German-built Volkswagens but also all other variants that may be assembled in North America.
The increased price is a result of the new 15% tax imposed on imported German vehicles.
The reasoning behind this increase is to encourage U.S. manufacturing and enhance the economy.
However, the consumers (car buyers) end up footing the bill at the dealership and during transportation to the dealership.
The cost just to bring a Volkswagen into a dealership is increased by $50. Coupled with tariffs on engines and transmissions, the changes in the trade policy are causing Volkswagens to be more expensive across the country.
Auto manufacturers pass most tariff costs down to consumers. In the case of Volkswagen, since it has a supply chain around the globe, all "domestic" models are affected by the condition of their parts if they come from outside the country.
Ultimately, the price you pay for your Volkswagen will depend on several factors:
Where the car gets assembled.
Where the major components (engine) were built.
Increased destination fees, including any new fees.
Golf GTI (German built) - $35,865 - increase of about 6.5%
Golf R (German built) - $50,730 - increase of about 5%
Jetta S (assembled in Mexico) - $25,270 - increase of about 4%
Taos FWD (assembled in Mexico) - $27,975 - increase of about 4%
Atlas SE FWD (built in the U.S.) - $40,785 - increase of about 3%
Consumers may prepare for high prices for vehicles translating into higher payments in regard to factors of shipping costs and increased dealer fees to customers.
This may lead to a greater importance placed on consumers to determine whether or not the model and/or trim they prefer is affected by this change in policy. There could be greater amounts of dealer incentives to sell cars or utilize additional features on the vehicle to cover the new costs.
With price increases across Audis ranging as high as $4,700 for some models, you can expect the change in trade policy to affect buyers on every level.
The possibility of changes to the distribution of imported models versus all U.S.-built vehicles, including some of their features or model availability, will impact the industry moving forward.
While some consumers may drift toward the "domestic" or U.S.-built models, the pricing strategy could change to include trims (lower-end) or features that the consumer is ultimately most satisfied with upgrading for the features that were once part of "upper-end" models.
The pricing for Volkswagen's best-selling Tiguan SUV has not been announced yet, but is expected to increase as well.
This new potential tariff situation is a direct result of the new tariffs on certain sun standings for regular vehicles across the globe in a trade policy that is establishing tariffs across various states.
Be prepared for more price changes, and consider timing your decision when shopping for a new vehicle, as it relates to the tariff impacts on that purchase.